The bedrest survival guide

Make the most of bedrest with our tips

Jack Hourigan,

Originally published on TodaysParent.com September 01, 2011

Send
Share

Fifteen years ago I spent 17 weeks in and out of the hospital on bedrest with my son, Spence. I somehow managed to go full term due in part to the distraction of the OJ Simpson trial on my rented hospital room TV. Last December I was dealt the bedrest card again with my daughter, Tess, so believe me when I say I’ve got plenty of bedrest experience under my belt. Here’s what I learned about how to make this less-than-ideal situation a bit better.

Sanity factor

Being on bedrest is like running a mental marathon, but there won’t always be folks cheering on the corner with a cowbell! Surround yourself with your A team. It’s not the time for Debbie Downers! Warning if you have an emotional vampire hospital roommate, pop in your ear buds fast! Negativity is contagious. Pick your favourite go-to song — mine was “Bright side of the road” By Van Morrison — and visualize! I’d see my healthy daughter splashing in red rain boots to get me through. Sounds crazy, but it worked!

Skyping my son and family also helped me cope when times got rough. With Skype you can have visitors on non shower days and no one is the wiser, Skype’s greatest feature? the ignore button! Also, plan a routine each day. I woke up the same time every day when my blinds were opened. Wednesday and Friday mornings were my shower days.

Handy links:

Skype
Keepemcookin.com
iTunes
Twitter.com #bedrest

Sanctuary factor

Create a mini sanctuary so you feel safe when things get rough. A favourite pillow, a colourful blanket, some fancy smelling creams to lift your spirits, a whiteboard with your mantra and positive quotes, a due date countdown and most importantly your baby’s ultrasound pic so you can see her every day!

Handy links:

Brainyquote.com
Great Inspirational Quotes